Cheyenne's Howl

Printed in Mountain Messenger on Friday September 5, 1997

The Press's "Right to Know" Excuse and Their "Fifteen Minutes of Fame and Glory"

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It is a sad day when the excuse, "we have the right to know", overrules common sense and respect for the rights of others. Those of us in the working press need to hang our heads in shame for what happened to Princess Di last weekend by fellow reporters. Their stupidity and greed caused the death of a beautiful, caring, and loving human being. What gives them that right? Unfortunately, even in death, Princess Di will not be left alone. History has shown that greed on the part of man will overcome respectability and some sleaseball will write damaging stories for years to come. Fortunately, the true spirit of Princess Di will live on forever. Very few people have ever been so caring, so giving, and so loving. Princess Di, the world will miss you.

Since I am on my soap box, I would like to continue and tell you about someone that I have lost all respect for. This man calls himself a reporter. He is based out of Denver and is a national correspondent for the Los Angeles Times. He has written one of the most inflammatory, misleading, full of misinformation, articles about wolfdog crosses that could be written. In fact, in this reporters opinion, this man has less integrity than a reporter for the National Enquirer. At least people don't expect the true facts to always be stated in the Enquirer. He has chosen to belittle all owners of wolfdogs and used unsubstantiated "facts" to malign their animals. This man is a disgrace to his profession. His name is Louis Sahagun and the article he wrote is a crime I intend to take a bite out of.

To me and to many others, it appears that Mr. Sahagun, intended to use his article on wolfdogs as a springboard to his "fifteen minutes of fame and glory". Well, I have news for him, his few minutes of fame may just turn out to be a lifetime of nightmares that he may never forget. The blinders that he chose to wear must have been given to him by Little Red Riding Hood. After visiting with him, it became obvious that he could not be responsible enough to own a pet rock. He chooses the information he wishes to hear; he overlooks or ignores facts and information that are contrary to his goal. I have even wondered just what his goal is. Is he now going to be one of the latest "experts" to run around the country getting paid to put down wolfdogs? If he doesn't make enough money at that, I wonder what animal, or person, or subject will he pick on next?

Dad and I met Mr. Sahagun back in June. He came to our Gallery stating that he was writing an article on wolfdogs and expressed a concern that he had not had enough positive information for a balanced article. He claimed he wanted to know more about the wolves and wolfdog companion animals that were getting along just fine with their owners. We gave him names and numbers of people to check with, including people that had true facts and figures to dispel the misinformation being passed out by the anti-wolfdog factions. We even gave him the opportunity to meet with owners and breeders but he chose not too. Apparently, this information he really did not want to hear. More next week.

Cheyenne